During a meeting Friday, Democrats told the Republican governor they want to tie the debt repayment for unpaid Medicaid expenses to an expansion of Medicaid to about 55,000 people.

LePage issued a statement that said Maine expanded welfare 10 years ago, and the state still hasn't paid that debt. LePage said Democratic leadership has committed to the Maine people that they want to pay the hospitals, so the governor asked in his statement, "So what's the hold up?"

"It's a shame. It's a sin. It's criminal. It's absolutely criminal, the behavior of Justin Alfond and Mark Eves. I'm going to tell you this. It's not Democrats versus Republicans. It's the people of Maine against Justin Alfond and Mark Eves because many, many Republicans and many, many Democrats are willing to get this done," said LePage.

Senate President Justin Alfond said Democrats are committed to paying back the hospitals. They also want a comprehensive approach to managing health care costs -- and that includes accepting federal health care dollars.

"Obstructionist? The governor has a short memory. Weeks ago he threatened to veto every bill and he single-handily has prevented 3,000 jobs and over $300 million of investments in our state by not issuing voter approved bonds," said Alfond. "The governor, since taking office, has insulted Maine state workers, teachers and the Legislature. Weekly, he blasts our great state. He has been the most divisive leader our state has ever seen."

Maine Speaker of the House Mark Eves also responded to the governor's comments, saying, "This is just another example of the governor's exaggeration and telling half-truths. The truth of the matter is, Democrats will pay hospitals. It is a top priority to make sure that we pay our hospital debt obligation, and as we make this final payment to our hospitals, we are going to be doing something to transform our health care system so that we're not back here in the same place again."

"By accepting these federal dollars to increase health coverage for nearly 70,000 Mainers, we are going to be making sure we address one of the main cost drivers in our system, and that is charity care that is provided by hospitals. Seventy percent of Mainers want us to do this. This is the right thing to do. Democrats will pay hospitals, and we'll make sure 70,000 Mainers have health coverage and truly address one of the cost drivers in our health care system," said Eves.